RENTAL PROPERTY LICENSE

Rental Housing Licenses are required under Title 14, Subtitle 9 of the Howard County Code to preserve the quality of rental housing in Howard County.

WHEN IS A LICENSE REQUIRED

Every dwelling or dwelling unit in Howard County not occupied solely by the owner or owner’s immediate family must be licensed. Examples include dwellings occupied by boarders, roomers and renters.

Licenses are required for rented dwellings such as:

• Apartments
• Single family homes
• Townhomes
• Condominiums
• Duplexes
• Mobile homes

Licenses are required for facilities such as:

• Group Homes
• Sheltered Care
• Assisted Living
• Hotels
• Motels
• Bed and Breakfast Inns

PRIOR TO APPLYING FOR A RENTAL LICENSE

• Applicant must be the property owner, or authorized agent for the property owner.
• Out of state owners are required to designate a local agent.
• Smoke detectors are required to be installed on all floor levels and inside of each bedroom; Hardwired smoke detectors are required in most instances.
• An operable exterior window is required in every bedroom and must meet egress requirements.

HOW TO APPLY AND WHAT TO EXPECT

Rental license applications are available from the Licenses and Permits Division of the permitting agency.

Once the application has been accepted and fees paid, a letter will be sent to the property owner/agent notifying them to contact the Housing Inspector to schedule an inspection of the rental property.

Inspection includes, but not limited to:

• Properly installed and maintained smoke detectors
• Structural deterioration (holes in walls, windows, floors, deteriorated foundations, chimneys, etc.)
• Proper light and ventilation
• Properly operating plumbing fixtures
• Adequate storm water drainage
• Accumulation of garbage or rubbish on grounds or in dwelling unit
• Roach or rodent infestation
• Properly installed and maintained heating facilities, water heater and electrical wiring
• Proper location of exit(s)
• Dangerous storage of flammables
• Overcrowding

When the inspection has been completed, the inspector will provide a copy of the inspection results to the owner/agent. If there are no deficiencies, the approved application is given to the owner/agent and the Rental License will be issued. If deficiencies are discovered, a time limit for correction will be determined and a date for reinspection set, prior to the issuance of the license.

LEAD BASE PAINT ABATEMENT REQUIREMENTS

Licenses have been required since 1963 in Howard County for any dwelling, townhouse, or apartment not occupied by the owner or the owner's immediate family. While we refer to the license as a "rental" license, the requirement applies whether or not rent is paid for the unit. Examples requiring Howard County licenses include farm tenacies, house sitting, or other arrangements where accommodations are supplied. Under Maryland law only those properties where rent is paid must comply with regulations relating to lead paint. Thus, farm tenancies require a Howard County license but do not require compliance with lead standards.

In order to obtain or renew a rental license for any house or apartment, Section 305.4 of the Howard County Property Maintenance Code requires compliance with Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) standards relating to lead paint. We will not issue a rental license until we receive evidence of satisfactory compliance with MDE requirements as follows:

• Have a current valid registration for all units filed with MDE (the registration forms must be accurately and completely filled out, signed, and dated.)Registration must be renewed annually. (Also supply a copy to Howard County Housing Code Administrator.)

• Provide the United States Environmental Protection Agency EPA) pamphlet, "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home" and MDE’s Tenant Rights Notice, to all tenants. (Both documents available from MDE. This information should be provided to all tenants at least every two years.)

• Obtain an inspection certificate showing each and every unit that has had a change in occupancy since February 23,1996, which meets the full risk reduction standard. Provide a copy of the inspection certificate to each tenant upon the execution of a lease or the inception of tenancy. (Also supply a copy to Howard County Housing Code Administrator.)

• Obtain inspection certificates showing that at least 50% of your units meet the full risk reduction standard, regardless of whether there has been a change in occupancy in those units. (Also supply a copy to Howard County Housing Code Administrator)

All work required to come into compliance with State law must be done by an Accredited Supervisor and trained workers.

Tenants may NOT be in the work areas and pregnant women and small children may not enter or remain in the dwelling at any time while the work is performed, including times when work is not in progress.

A list of accredited lead paint inspection contractors is available through the Maryland Department of the Environement web site. Information can also be obtained by telephone at 410-537-4199 or 1-800-776-2706.

Owners of residential rental units built between 1950 and 1978 may elect to voluntarily comply with the Full Risk Reduction Standard and qualify for limited liability.

Proper compliance with Maryland Law provides a level of protection for the residents and guests of residents of these homes. Compliance also limits the liability of the property owner. If properties are well maintained they may require little work to comply with Maryland lead laws.

WHO TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE

• Application and Licensing Information
  410-313-2455 (Licenses and Permits)
• Housing Inspections
  410-313-1830
• Fax Number 410-313-3322
• TTY 410-313-2323